Bird flu found in fox in Victoria for first time

A fox near Torquay tested positive for H5, Victoria's first confirmed case in a mammal. Authorities think a dolphin at Lorne also died from the virus.

Why it mattersThe virus is spreading to new species, including mammals. This worries experts about endangered wildlife colonies. As spring breeding arrives, birds gather in coastal areas, which can speed up the spread.

AustraliaAustralians visiting beaches and coastal areas may encounter infected wildlife. Victoria is vaccinating threatened species like little penguins, and authorities are monitoring high-risk zones including Port Phillip Bay and the Gippsland Lakes.

✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 5 d ago